Manchester City edged out Southampton with a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on October 26, although the narrow scoreline belied City’s dominance over the visiting Saints. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal just five minutes into the game, capitalizing on a precision cross from Matheus Nunes, who shone in an unfamiliar left-wing role. Nunes’ performance was a key talking point in what was otherwise a comfortable but tight victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
This marked an important outing for Nunes, the Portuguese midfielder who joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2023 for £53 million. The transfer was one of City’s more high-profile signings of the past season, but until now, Nunes has struggled to establish himself as a regular in Guardiola’s starting lineup. Up against Southampton, however, Nunes looked sharp, confident, and in control, suggesting he might finally be finding his rhythm within the City squad. His performance, capped by the assist for Haaland’s opener, could indicate a turning point in his early City career.
Guardiola’s decision to deploy Nunes on the left wing was intriguing. Known more as a central midfielder, Nunes has been used sporadically on the left in the past but never with a consistent starting role. In recent matches, however, he’s shown promise in this position, notably contributing to City’s 5-0 midweek thrashing of Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League with a goal and two assists. His success on the left flank against Southampton could open up a new strategic option for Guardiola, particularly as the team juggles a packed schedule.
Against Southampton, Nunes showed an impressive blend of vision and control. His early assist to Haaland demonstrated his instinct for positioning and passing accuracy, two critical components of Guardiola’s high-press, ball-dominant system. Throughout the game, he consistently drove the ball forward, making two key passes and hitting his target on a long-ball attempt. Although he didn’t win all his duels—managing only three out of 10 on the ground, mostly up against Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters—he contributed enough to suggest he could be a valuable asset in City’s attacking rotations. This willingness to take risks and push forward down the flank is something Guardiola looks for in his wide players, and it seems Nunes is gradually adapting to the role.
City’s fans and analysts are already beginning to discuss the broader implications of Nunes’ breakout performance. Guardiola, known for his tactical flexibility and frequent lineup changes, now has another credible option on the left flank. While City’s go-to wingers like Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku have offered different strengths—Grealish with his close control and dribbling and Doku with his blistering pace—the versatility and creativity that Nunes displayed could provide City with an additional dimension in wide areas.
The spotlight on Nunes comes amid a difficult period for Grealish, who sat out the match against Southampton due to injury. The English winger, who was instrumental in City’s treble-winning season, has struggled to replicate the same form this season. In 10 appearances across competitions, Grealish has contributed just two assists, falling short of expectations for a player brought in to be a primary creative outlet. Last season, his stats were similarly modest, with only three goals and three assists in 36 appearances. Guardiola’s move to experiment with Nunes on the left could signal an opportunity—or a potential challenge—for Grealish to maintain his position in the starting lineup.
But Grealish isn’t the only one who might find himself competing with Nunes. Jeremy Doku, City’s 21-year-old Belgian winger, has been a lively presence but inconsistent. Known for his raw speed, Doku has shown promise but has also faced challenges as Premier League defenders have begun to anticipate and counter his direct style of play. He, too, was absent against Southampton but has had a mixed season with two goals and two assists across 11 appearances in all competitions. Nunes’ ability to add creativity, vision, and composure on the left could create additional pressure for Doku as Guardiola looks to fine-tune his wing options.
Pep Guardiola, reflecting on Nunes’ recent performances, emphasized the value of flexibility and the importance of players finding ways to contribute across different roles. Speaking after the victory over Sparta Prague, he praised Nunes’ work ethic and willingness to adapt, particularly highlighting the midfielder’s impact from the left. “When you see a player taking on a new role like this and performing well, it shows great potential and dedication,” Guardiola noted. “Nunes is showing us he’s capable of doing more than we initially expected, which is fantastic for the team.”
City’s next match against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on October 30 presents Guardiola with a timely opportunity to test his lineup further. With Grealish potentially fit to return, he may get a chance to prove himself if Guardiola opts for rotation. This match could be crucial for Grealish to remind fans and his manager of his worth, as he’s up against not only Tottenham but also the evolving competition within his own squad.
As the season unfolds, Guardiola’s decisions regarding the left wing will be closely watched. For now, it’s clear that Matheus Nunes’ standout performance against Southampton has made an impact. His versatility and newfound form on the left wing have given Guardiola additional tactical options, adding depth to City’s roster and providing the squad with an extra spark. Whether he’ll solidify this role in the long term remains to be seen, but Nunes has certainly made a case to be more than just a supporting figure in City’s formidable squad. The coming weeks, including the clash with Tottenham, will be crucial as City aims to maintain momentum across multiple competitions, and Nunes will be hoping to keep his place and continue making his mark.